Stephen Letoo’s career in journalism didn’t start in a bustling newsroom or under the bright lights of television studios. In fact, it began far from the glamour of media — in a small Maasai community in Narok County, where televisions were rare, and access to news was considered a luxury. Growing up, young Stephen would watch as villagers gathered around his family’s single TV set to catch the evening news. The energy, urgency, and storytelling power of the broadcasts fascinated him. He didn’t just want to watch; he wanted to be the one delivering the news.
Even as a child, Letoo displayed traits that hinted at his future career. He had a natural curiosity about current events, politics, and social issues. While his peers played games or focused on everyday chores, Stephen would read newspapers, take mental notes, and practice reporting events to friends and family. For him, journalism was not just a career — it was a calling.
School Days: Nurturing the Journalist Within
Stephen’s early ambitions began to take concrete shape during his time at Kabianga High School in Kericho County. There, he didn’t just sit back and consume news; he created his own platform. He founded the school’s journalism club and launched a small weekly newsletter called Kabianga 100. Through this initiative, he reported on school events, academic achievements, and community matters, reading his pieces aloud during school assemblies.
These early experiences were crucial. They taught him discipline, research, storytelling, and public speaking — all the foundational skills of a professional journalist. More importantly, it gave him confidence. Standing before peers and teachers, delivering news, and receiving feedback nurtured his stage presence, a trait that would later make him stand out on television.
University: Sharpening the Skills
After excelling in high school, Stephen pursued Media Studies at the University of Nairobi, one of Kenya’s leading institutions for journalism and mass communication. University life exposed him to the academic, theoretical, and technical aspects of media. Here, he learned about ethics in journalism, investigative reporting, media law, and the nuances of television presentation.
However, Stephen didn’t stop at academics. He actively sought practical experience, reaching out to media houses for internships and volunteer opportunities. He understood that in journalism, real-world experience often matters as much as classroom learning. His perseverance would soon pay off.
The First Big Break: Citizen TV Internship
In 2012, Stephen’s determination bore fruit when he landed an internship at Citizen TV, one of Kenya’s top television stations. As an intern, he was assigned small tasks: researching stories, assisting in live broadcasts, and shadowing senior reporters. While many interns were content with these roles, Stephen went beyond. He absorbed every aspect of the newsroom, asked questions, and volunteered to cover small community stories.
His dedication didn’t go unnoticed. Producers and editors were impressed by his natural confidence, ability to think on his feet, and his calmness under pressure. These early signs indicated that Stephen was destined for more than behind-the-scenes work.
Gaining Experience: Kiss TV and Major Political Events
After the internship, Stephen briefly moved to the Radio Africa Group, where he worked with Kiss TV. This was a turning point. He was assigned to cover high-stakes political events, including rallies, protests, and ultimately the 2013 General Election — one of the most politically charged periods in Kenya’s recent history.
These experiences were formative. Stephen learned how to navigate tense crowds, handle unpredictable situations, and report live from the field without losing composure. He realized that political journalism was not just about information but also about courage, ethics, and timing. Each live broadcast honed his ability to deliver accurate, engaging news to millions of viewers.
Returning to Citizen TV: Rising to Prominence
Recognizing his growing talent and reputation, Citizen TV brought Stephen back a few years later — this time not as an intern, but as a full-fledged political reporter. His early experiences had transformed him from a curious student into a professional journalist capable of handling Kenya’s most complex stories.
From covering rallies and protests to attending government briefings, Stephen became a recognizable face in political reporting. His dedication, confidence, and ability to remain neutral yet insightful in reporting earned him respect from both viewers and colleagues. Over time, he became one of the most trusted journalists in Kenya, known for going where few dare to go, asking questions others avoid, and bringing clarity to complicated political events.
Lessons from His Early Career
Stephen Letoo’s journey from a Maasai village to the national newsroom is a story of perseverance, passion, and resilience. Several key lessons emerge from his early career:
Curiosity fuels success – His interest in current affairs started young and never waned.
Start small, think big – The school newsletter and journalism club laid the foundation for professional success.
Practical experience is invaluable – Internships and field reporting helped him develop skills no classroom could teach.
Courage and integrity matter – Reporting from politically tense environments prepared him for high-pressure national assignments.
Stephen Letoo’s early career journey is both inspiring and instructive. It shows that great journalists are not born in studios but cultivated through curiosity, hard work, and persistence. From standing before school assemblies to reporting live on national elections, Stephen’s beginnings were modest, but his ambition, courage, and dedication ensured he rose to become one of Kenya’s most celebrated political reporters.
